Samia donates 150m/- for the construction of Children’s Centre

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has donated 150m/- for the construction of a center for children with special needs, particularly those with autism.

The project is spearheaded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Eastern and Coastal Diocese, and the center will be established in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region.

The center, to be named Bagamoyo Diaconic Lutheran Centre, aims to provide care, education, and specialized services to children living with autism and other developmental challenges.

During a fundraising event organized by the Church, President Samia’s advisors also contributed 100m/, bringing the total contribution from the President’s Office to 250m/-.

“The amount I had initially planned to contribute to church-related activities was 100m/-. However, wearing my grandmother’s hat, I’ve added 50m/- more. My advisors have joined me with an additional 100m/-, making it 250m/- from my office,” President Samia announced.

Speaking at the event, President Samia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Church throughout all phases of the center’s construction and future operations.

“I stand before you not only as a Head of State but as a mother who understands the responsibility of raising and caring for children, especially those with special needs. Mothers with such children bear a heavy burden, and their efforts must be supported,” she said.

President Samia also pledged to attend the official launch of the center, expressing her desire to witness the tangible results of the initiative being undertaken.

She commended the Lutheran Church for its longstanding collaboration with the government in areas such as health and education. The event, she said, reflects the Church’s growing impact on Tanzanian society.

“This initiative reminds us that children with special needs are a vital part of our community. We must ensure they receive the support and care they deserve,” she noted.

Several stakeholders made pledges at the fundraising event. The National Housing Corporation pledged 10m/- and construction consultancy services, NBC Bank committed 50m/- and offered to train 100 specialists in autism who will work at the center.

Other contributions included: Dar es Salaam Regional Office 20m/-, Maendeleo Bank 140m/-, TANESCO 20m/-, NMB Bank 50m/- , CRDB Bank  100m/-, CRDB Bank Insurance 10m/-, CRDB Bank Foundation  50m/-, and Tumaini University Dar es Salaam 10m/-.

The Presiding Bishop of the Lutheran Church, Dr. Gehaz Malasusa, expressed deep gratitude to President Samia, praising her compassion and leadership.

“Your presence here today is a powerful message. It affirms that persons with disabilities are an integral part of this nation, and they too have the right to education, care, and opportunity,” Bishop Malasusa said.

He noted that architectural designs for the center have been completed. So far, the Church’s internal fundraising campaigns, which involved various congregations and neighborhoods, have raised 2.7bn/- as initial capital for the project.